Mantle Minerals Wins $65K Grant to Boost Mt Berghaus Gold Drilling
Mantle Minerals has secured a $65,000 co-funded drilling grant from the WA Government to advance its Mt Berghaus gold exploration in the Mallina Basin.
- Awarded up to $65,000 under WA Government's Exploration Incentive Scheme
- Grant covers 50% of direct drilling costs plus mobilisation refund
- Funding supports RC drilling targeting Hemi-style gold systems
- Drilling and reporting must be completed by May 31, 2026
- Project located in under-explored Mallina Basin region
Government Boost for Mantle's Mt Berghaus Exploration
Mantle Minerals Limited (ASX: MTL) has secured a valuable financial boost to its Mt Berghaus gold exploration project through a co-funded drilling grant awarded by the Western Australian Government's Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS). The grant, confirmed by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, provides up to $65,000 to support Mantle's reverse circulation (RC) drilling program targeting Hemi-style intrusion-related gold systems within the Mallina Basin.
Details of the Grant and Its Strategic Importance
The funding arrangement covers up to 50% of direct drilling costs, with an additional capped mobilisation refund of up to $10,000 based on actual expenses. This co-funding model is designed to encourage exploration in under-explored regions like the Mallina Basin, which has shown promising geological potential but remains relatively under-investigated compared to other gold provinces in Western Australia.
To fully benefit from the grant, Mantle must complete its drilling program and satisfy reporting requirements by the end of May 2026. Payments from the grant will be made in two stages, incentivising timely progress and thorough documentation of results.
Implications for Mantle Minerals and the Mallina Basin
This government-backed funding not only reduces Mantle's upfront capital risk but also signals confidence in the project's potential. The Mallina Basin has attracted increasing attention for its Hemi-style gold systems, which are known for their significant mineralisation. Mantle's drilling campaign, supported by this grant, could unlock new discoveries that enhance the company's resource base and valuation.
While the grant itself does not guarantee exploration success, it provides crucial financial leverage that can accelerate Mantle's field activities and data acquisition. The company has expressed gratitude to the Geological Survey and Resource Strategy Division for their support, underscoring the collaborative nature of exploration in Western Australia.
Looking Ahead
Investors and industry watchers will be keen to monitor Mantle's drilling progress and the quality of results emerging from Mt Berghaus. The next 12 months will be pivotal in determining whether this government-supported exploration effort translates into meaningful resource growth.
Bottom Line?
Mantle’s government-backed drilling push at Mt Berghaus sets the stage for a critical exploration phase with potential to reshape its gold prospects.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial drilling results will Mantle report from the Mt Berghaus program?
- Could further government incentives or partnerships accelerate Mantle’s exploration timeline?
- How might discoveries at Mt Berghaus impact Mantle’s valuation and investor sentiment?
